Jeddah, (Saudi Arabia): In a stunning development at the IPL 2025 Auction, Rishabh Pant has become the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was sold to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore, surpassing Shreyas Iyer's previous record of Rs 26.25 crore.
The intense bidding war began with LSG and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vying for Pant's services. SRH initially placed a bid of Rs 11.50 crore, but LSG quickly joined the battle, pushing the price up to Rs 17.50 crore. As the bidding continued, it became clear that Pant's value was skyrocketing, with the two teams exchanging aggressive bids. Eventually, Delhi Capitals (DC), holding the Right to Match (RTM) option, raised the offer to Rs 20.75 crore. However, LSG ultimately sealed the deal, upping the bid to Rs 27 crore.
Pant's sale eclipsed the previous IPL auction record, which was set by Shreyas Iyer earlier in the day. Iyer was secured by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs 26.25 crore, following a fierce bidding war with Delhi Capitals.
The record-breaking deals reflect the intense competition among IPL franchises to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2025 season.
Earlier in the day, Australian seamer Mitchell Starc also made headlines, securing a spot with Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore, marking a significant pay cut from his previous IPL season price of Rs 24.75 crore.
As the IPL auction unfolds, teams are making strategic acquisitions, with notable buys including England's Jos Buttler, who joined Gujarat Titans for Rs 15.75 crore, and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, who was snapped up by Gujarat for Rs 10.75 crore.
With intense bidding expected to continue throughout the day, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be another season of high stakes and fierce competition.